Circular Motion: Minimum Radius for Safe Fighter Pilot Maneuvers

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in circular motion, specifically focusing on the dynamics experienced by a fighter pilot during a maneuver involving a vertical circle. The original poster seeks to determine the minimum radius of the circle to ensure that the normal force does not exceed 7 times the gravitational force on the pilot.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply equations related to circular motion but expresses confusion about their application. Some participants suggest using the relationship between normal force and gravitational force, while others clarify the distinction between G-forces and friction.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between G-forces and the forces acting on the pilot, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and relationships between forces in the context of circular motion, particularly the concept of G-forces and their implications for the pilot's experience during maneuvers.

whatsmyname
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"A fighter pilot dives his plane toward the ground at 320 m/s. He pulls out of the dive on a vertical circle. What is the minimum radius of the circle, so that the normal force on the pilot by his seat never exceeds 7G's?"


Im stuck... I've tried different things with equations like 'friction=(mass X volume^2)/radius but I am not getting much of anywhere :mad:
 
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[tex]7mg=\frac{mv^2}{r}[/tex]
[tex]7rg=v^2[/tex]
[tex]7r(9.8m/s^2)=(320m/s)^2[/tex]
[tex]r=1492.7m[/tex]
 
hrmm u just use the 7 as the friction coefficient? :confused: I didn't realize that, heh, i feel stupid now.

Ok.. yea.. i guess "g's" would be friction heh, k guess i was asleep :-p

thanks tho
 
"g" is not friction. Think about it like this...when you're in a car and you're accelerating, you feel a force pushing back on you. That force is the G-force. One G is equal to your weight (mg). So, 7 g is 7mg.
 

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